Utilidad e Importancia Histórica y Cultural de las Cyperaceae

Abstract

Lake regions have played an important role in human settlements. In the Mexican basin, settlements from 24,000 to 20,000 BP have been recorded at edge of Lake Chalco. A long cultural period of human settlements can be observed between 12,000 to 2,000 BP. The lake environment offers a great variety of natural resources, among which is included the rush, known as "tule" in Spanish. The term is derived from the Nahuatl tollin, which can be translated as " between reed and rush". The generic name for tule includes the Cyperaceae. In Mexico the genera Cyperus spp and the Schoenplectus spp., have traditionally been used in basketmaking. Francisco Hernandez mentions four different types of cypers with healing properties.The use of Cyperaceae was extensive in Prehispanic times including the use of mats as seats for important people in the codices. Nappatecuhtli, god of matmaking, is depicted in the Florentine Coedex carrying a branch of Cyperus articulatus L. in his hand. The use of Cyperaceae is widespread in various parts of the world in the making of paper, ropes, baskets, boxes, furniture, mats, boats, canoes, perfumes, in decoration, as food and for its healing properties in popular medicine as well. The plants are ecologically vital since they make up the natural habitat for many species in the wild.